No man who knows aught, can be so stupid to deny that all men naturally were born free.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the inherent freedom of all humans at birth, suggesting that ignorance is an obstacle to recognizing this truth.
John Milton's quote asserts that it is foolish for any knowledgeable person to deny the fundamental principle that all individuals are born with innate freedom. This idea aligns with broader philosophical discussions about human rights and liberty, suggesting that recognizing our natural freedom is a prerequisite for any civilized society. Ignorance or denial of this truth weakens the moral fabric of society, as it leads to injustice and oppression.
In practice
This quote can be used as a powerful statement in a speech about human rights.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
...like a magnetic compass turning north, I always tried to head in the direction of the better, which is the direction to God. ...the directions that appeared to lead away from Christianity led me deeper into it.
I never had anyone I could call βMasterβ. No Christ died for me. No Buddha showed me the right path. In the depths of my dreams no Apollo or Athena appeared to me to enlighten my soul
In some sort of crude sense, which no vulgarity, no humor, no overstatement can quite extinguish, the physicists have known sin; and this is a knowledge which they cannot lose.
It is very iniquitous to make me pay my debts - you have no idea of the pain it gives one.
I loved when Bush came out and said, 'We are losing the war against drugs.' You know what that implies? There's a war being fought, and the people on drugs are winning it.
That which is not, shall never be; that which is, shall never cease to be. To the wise, these truths are self-evident.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.